President Biden awarded Pope Francis the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the country’s highest civilian honor, with distinction, making him the first to receive this level of honor from Biden, who embraces his Catholic faith.
Jude Law confirms he’ll play Vladimir Putin in the movie adaptation of Giuliano da Empoli’s novel The Wizard Of The Kremlin. It explores the story of a reality show producer who doubles as an advisor to the Russian leader.
Apple CEO Tim Cook’s pay package for fiscal year 2024 totaled $74.6 million, consisting of a $3 million base salary, $58 million in stock awards, $12 million in non-equity compensation & $1.52 million in other compensation.
Bill Byrge, known for his role as “Bobby” in the Ernest comedy films alongside Jim Varney, passed away at 92 in Nashville, Tenn. Byrge started his film career in 1985 and continued to act in various Ernest movies and TV shows.
Mel Gibson confirmed Jim Caviezel will reprise his role as Jesus in The Resurrection of the Christ, using de-aging techniques. Gibson aims to start shooting next year, with a story delving into angels, Hell, and featuring Satan.
Shrek 5 has been rescheduled to release on December 23, 2026, in celebration of the franchise’s 25th anniversary, featuring the original voice cast. Meanwhile, Minions 3 moves up to summer of 2026 from its original 2027 date.
Director Paul Feig confirmed A Simple Favor 2, with Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick, will be released soon. He dismissed “total BS” rumors of the film being shelved due to the legal issues between Lively and Justin Baldoni.
Guitar Center’s Music Foundation is offering one-time grants to replace instruments and gear destroyed in the Los Angeles wildfires. The initiative is open to Los Angeles-based musicians and music instruction programs.
Soap opera legend Leslie Charleson, best known for her role as Monica Quartermaine on General Hospital, passed away at 79 after battling a long illness. Her health struggles in recent years limited her appearances on the show.
Claude Jarman Jr., best known for his performance in The Yearling, passed away in his sleep of natural causes at 90 in his Marin County, California home. He received a rare Juvenile Academy Award for the acclaimed role in 1947.
